I have been looking (with no luck) for and OEM electric door lock mechanism that is thin enough to fit into the doors of my '37 Willys sedan.

Maybe I'm wrong, but if I want my 4 doors to open with the original handles (inside & outside), I've got a bunch of tinkering and modifying ahead of me. That's no problem, as I've got a welder, a grinder, and a bunch of time on my hands.

And if I am going to install the "store bought" bear claw latches that are electric locking, I'm going to tie up at least $300. Rocky Hinges have the sets I want, but I wanted to ask you Hotrodders if anyone has come across an OEM brand of thin (no more than 2-1/8 inch wide) electric door latch that I might find in my local "recycling yard" for a good bit less money.

try the latches and stricker from an Impala 2000-05 I used 04 monty carlo latches on my 48 plymouth because the rods are longer for a 2dr .The impala are the same latch but they;ll have the shorter rods you'll need.I think I paid 5.00 each...our doors are about the same dimentions so these should work for you....I have some pics if you'd like to see how I did it...

I would love to see your pics of how you did your latches.
With your advice, I plan to visit the Chevy dealership to measure the Impala/Monty latches before I hit the boneyard. Just yesterday I noticed that the latches on a newer Ford E150 van are fairly thin, also. I'll be looking at those too.

I hate to appear so cheap, but if I can find some slim power door latches that I can fabricate into the Willys for $20 each, I can stretch my "retired budget" for other goodies (like slim-line power seat - the Willys has a fairly small/narrow interior).

heres a pic of the Impala/monty latch....I made a templete of the hole that needed to be cut in door to accept the new latch...You'll notice extra holes ,well I accidently put the right side latch in the left door,it wont work that way......I aloi cut out the inner door to make it all easier,I'll be installing electric windows ,etc too....I just found some bolts that fit the interior panel holes and cut ,leaving half the hole...I figure it'll make it all go back together easier...Theres a bit more but I'm out of time,I'll post some more later on...

EXCEPTIONAL pics. I have a door latch & electric actuator part coming into my Chevy dealership tomorrow, PN: 10347027. I hope it is slim enough for the Willys door. Your door seems a bit wider than mine. I have only 2-1/8 inches of working space inside the Willys door to install the latch/lock.

The Chevy parts guy said this lock fits a bunch of other cars, so if it measures out okay, I'm sure I'll be able to find 4 of them in the bone yard.

I will attemp to take a few pics of what I'm trying to do (I'm not that good with electronic & computer things). If I'm successful, I'll post my pics.

I already have the Specialty power windows installed. I got the kit brand new at a swap meet for a great price...altho I am not thrilled with the little motor on the windows.

If it's okay, as I progress on my project, I'll ask you for more and more advice, especially in the rust/paint department. Would appreciate any help you have time to offer.

I got the local Chevy dealership and closely examined Latch, with Actuator, PN: 01347027. This latch fit 00-05 Impala, 00-06 Monty, and 00-05 Lumina. However, it measures 3-3/8" wide. Since I have only 2-1/8" to work with in my skinny Willys door, this latch will not work.

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